Monday, December 27, 2010

Hey there! Are you all enjoying the holidays? And did you get the gifts you were hoping to? I'm happy to say I got my greatest wish despite some bumps along the way, and Christmas was then wonderful =D. Not only did I receive some awesome kitchenware, cookbooks, and jewelry from P's family; but also thrilling news that my best friend N finally made it home and would be coming to visit on Wednesday. With another tarte tatin and lots of girl talk to look forward to, I couldn't ask for a better transition into the New Year.

Speaking of New Year's, may I recommend these Peppermint Cookies N' Cream Brownies for your next holiday party? Chopped up cookies are mixed into a fudgy brownie base to add richness and crunch. Meanwhile, the mint flavor is a fun nod to the weather outside. These babies are a bit extravagant, I have to say (especially compared to my go-to chewy cocoa brownies). Yet what better time to indulge a little than while you're joyfully gathered with those you love? Hope you enjoy these, and I'll see you all next year!

XIAOLU'S NOTES: While I love the peppermint flavor, these would still be delicious with regular Oreos. You could also play around with other chopped up cookies or even candy bars. For those who'd prefer a smaller batch, simply halve the recipe and bake in an 8-inch square pan. Also, I actually overbaked this batch by a few minutes, so if you follow the recipe your brownies should be even fudgier than my photo shows. If you prefer a sturdier slice, simply bake 5 minutes longer.

In a medium-large saucepan over low heat, melt together butter and chocolate, stirring occasionally. Whisk in sugar and salt until thoroughly combined. Continue heating and stirring until the entire mixture is hot and smooths out somewhat but is not bubbling.

Remove from heat, and let cool slightly (about 5 minutes) to avoid cooking the eggs when added. Stir in vanilla, then add eggs one at a time, whisking immediately after each addition and mixing until each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next egg. Whisk in flour and cocoa powder thoroughly until mixture is uniform.

Switch to a spatula or large spoon and fold in 2 cups of chopped cookies. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread out evenly with spatula. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cookie pieces on top of batter.

Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not coated with batter. Cool brownies in pan for about 20 minutes, then lift brownies in the paper out of the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

56 comments:

Mmmm looks delicious! I'm a huge fan of brownies, especially those that are a slight twist on the classic recipe. As a fan of the Mint Oreo as well, this seems like the perfect combination of two wonderful sweet treats! Thanks for sharing, I can't wait to give this one a try! And Happy New Year!

I'm so glad to hear that everything turned out okay in the end! I hope you have a wonderful New Year's babe! These brownies sound wonderful. I'm always up for indulging my intense love of the peppermint/chocolate combo!

Xiaolu - so happy to hear that your friend arrived despite the weather! I am sure you had a great holiday... and those brownies - you know my Mom would surely love them - she likes anything with mint and chocolate! I must make them for her while she's here.

I'm so happy to hear that your friend will be able to finally make it out. Sounds like you had a really nice holiday as well. I have to admit, I'm not a big fan of mint in my brownies so I might try this out as a non-mint version.

Thanks, everyone! I'm glad you enjoy these and welcome to those of you who're new to my blog.

To Shirley and others who don't have access to peppermint Oreos, feel free to substitute normal Oreos or even other sandwich cookies. Or, if you're really dedicated, you could make your own peppermint Oreos using the following recipe and adding 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract to the filling: http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/homemade-oreos/ Hope that helps!

Im so happy you had a lovely Christmas, and that your friend is visiting! How special :) These look so delicious - just what my man would love, he goes mad for anything peppermint OR cookies n' cream, so there you go, two in one!Heidi xo

Oh you rock the boat sweet Xiaolu... take a look at those brownies! Love the mint in there, and the burst of colour it adds to the browns! Nom Nom Nom!! Happy New Year...and am glad you finally get to meet N!! have fun...and a fabulous 2011!

tigerfish - please don't be afraid to try these with other cookies minus the mint. these are really good fudgy brownies even on their own and of course milk is a must!

maameemoomoo - aw I'm sorry to hear that. please check out my response above linking a recipe for making your own Oreos if you're up for it. You could also use any other cream filled sandwich cookie in its place :).

? - I understand, but these are good with any cream filled cookies so please don't be afraid to play with other fillings!

Nourhan - thanks so much for coming back and commenting again! i really appreciate it and happy new year!

Ellie - you too =D!

Y - isn't it such an awesome combo? happy holidays to you too babe :).

Soma - I certainly hope they like it. Thanks for your kind words, as always!

Deeba - you're the sweet one ;p. I did especially like the pop of color. Without it, the photo would have been quite plain! Happy new year, dear!

Hannah - thanks, hun! I can't wait to see all the delectable creations you post in the comming year!

crustabakes - I'm glad you like it :). I wasn't sure the colors would work, so I'm quite relieved. And of course the taste is dynamite, so I hope you guys give it a try.

Lick My Spoon - aw you're making me blush! same to you, and wishing you the happiest new year!

These are amazing!! Everyone loved them and they disappeared really quickly! I've added a link back to your site as credit for the recipe - hope thats ok. http://themorethanoccasionalbaker.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/mint-oreo-fudge-brownies.html